Ina Garten’s Fresh & Zingy Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

Ina Garten’s Greek Orzo Salad brings Mediterranean charm to your dining table with its vibrant, zesty essence.

Mediterranean-inspired dishes often capture the heart of summer’s fresh flavors and casual elegance.

Bold ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that feel both comforting and adventurous.

Crisp vegetables and hearty grains blend seamlessly in this light yet satisfying recipe.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through sunny coastal landscapes and traditional culinary techniques.

The combination of ingredients transforms a simple side dish into a memorable gastronomic experience.

Prepare to transport your senses with this irresistible Mediterranean-style creation:

Why You’ll Love Greek Orzo Salad

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a vibrant salad packed with zesty lemon, briny capers, tangy feta, and fresh herbs that transport your taste buds straight to the Greek islands.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delightful orzo salad in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy home cooks craving a delicious and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy this salad as a light lunch, potluck contribution, or side dish that works beautifully for summer gatherings, picnics, or meal prep – it's equally delicious served warm or at room temperature.
• Nutrition-Packed Comfort: Combine protein-rich chickpeas, peppery arugula, and colorful vegetables in a single dish that delivers both incredible taste and wholesome nutrition in every refreshing bite.

Everything in Ina’s Orzo Salad Recipe

• Orzo: Small, rice-shaped pasta that provides a delicate texture and serves as the perfect foundation for this Greek-inspired salad.

• Chickpeas, Feta Cheese: Protein-packed legumes and creamy, tangy cheese that add substance and Mediterranean flavor to the dish.

• Bell Pepper, Red Onion: Crisp, colorful vegetables that bring crunch and sharp, sweet notes to the salad.
• Arugula: Peppery green that adds a fresh, slightly spicy kick and vibrant color.

• Capers, Olives: Briny, salty ingredients that provide intense Mediterranean flavor and complexity.
• Dill: Fresh herb that offers a light, delicate anise-like taste characteristic of Greek cuisine.

• Lemon Juice, Olive Oil: Bright, zesty citrus and rich, smooth olive oil create the classic Greek dressing base.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Lemon Slices: Fresh citrus rounds that provide a decorative touch and additional zesty brightness.

Make Your Own Greek-Inspired Orzo Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Orzo Pasta

Boil water in a large saucepan. Add salt to the water. Drop in orzo and cook until tender. Drain pasta and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Vinaigrette

• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Chickpeas
• Bell pepper
• Red onion
• Capers
• Fresh dill
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Kalamata olives

Stir carefully to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Add Fresh Greens

Fold in arugula just before serving. Squeeze additional lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the salad while it’s warm or at room temperature. Garnish with extra lemon slices if desired.

Flavor Tips for Bright, Tangy Orzo

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Boil orzo just until al dente to maintain a delightful texture that won't turn soggy when mixed with other ingredients. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Maximize Herb Freshness: Chop fresh dill and parsley right before adding to the salad. Freshly cut herbs release more vibrant flavors and aromatics that elevate the entire dish.
• Balance Dressing Consistency: Whisk olive oil and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth, well-emulsified dressing that coats every ingredient evenly. This ensures each bite is packed with bright, zesty flavors.
• Customize Vegetable Crunch: Dice bell peppers and cucumber into uniform, bite-sized pieces for consistent texture. Mix different colored peppers to make the salad more visually appealing and nutritious.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad a few hours before serving to allow flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the more delicious the combinations become, making it perfect for picnics and potlucks.

Store Orzo Salad with Ease

• Chill Quickly: Spread the salad on a wide, shallow dish to cool down rapidly at room temperature. Transfer to an airtight glass container within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain peak freshness.
• Preserve Crunch: Separate wet ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers from dry components like orzo and feta before storing. Keep these elements in different sealed compartments to prevent sogginess and maintain optimal texture when ready to serve.
• Smart Thawing: While freezing isn't ideal, if you must, drain excess liquid after thawing and refresh the salad with a quick drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to revive its vibrant flavors and restore some texture.

Mix Up Your Orzo for Variety

• Mediterranean Protein Power: Swap chickpeas with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed version that adds lean muscle-building nutrients and creates a heartier meal option.
• Seasonal Garden Fresh: Replace bell peppers with seasonal vegetables like roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or grilled asparagus to customize the salad based on local produce availability and current harvest.
• Vegan Mediterranean Fusion: Eliminate feta cheese and substitute with plant-based tofu crumbles or nutritional yeast for a completely dairy-free alternative that maintains the authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Remix: Experiment with fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or oregano instead of dill to create subtle flavor variations that complement the orzo and enhance the overall taste experience.

Wrapping Up This Greek Delight

Mediterranean culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s Greek orzo salad.

Zesty lemon vinaigrette mingles with tender pasta, creating harmonious flavor profiles.

Chickpeas and feta provide protein-packed Mediterranean charm.

Herbaceous dill and peppery arugula elevate each delightful bite.

Capers and olives contribute perfect salty undertones.

Passionate cooks and hungry friends, grab your ingredients, dive into this delectable recipe, and let your taste buds dance with Mediterranean delight – snap that mouthwatering photo, share this gem with your network, and sprinkle comments below celebrating flavor brilliance!

Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Greek orzo salad celebrates Mediterranean flavors with zesty herbs and crisp vegetables. Fresh ingredients blend beautifully, creating a refreshing dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings and picnics.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo (about 8 ounces / 226 grams)
• 4 ounces (113 grams) Greek feta, ½-inch diced (not crumbled)
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ½ cup (¼-inch) diced red Holland bell pepper
• ½ cup (¼-inch) diced red onion
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh dill
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved lengthwise

Liquids and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus extra for serving (2 lemons)
• ½ cup good olive oil
• 3 tablespoons capers in brine, drained
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ lemon, thinly sliced, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta foundation by bringing 1.5 liters () of water to a rolling boil in a spacious saucepan. Introduce of salt, then carefully add the orzo, ensuring the liquid returns to a vigorous boil. Reduce heat and allow the orzo to simmer gracefully for 8 to 10 minutes until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.
2. While the pasta cooks, craft the vibrant vinaigrette by whisking together 60 milliliters () of fresh lemon juice, 120 milliliters () of extra virgin olive oil, of salt, and of freshly ground black pepper in a clear measuring cup.
3. Transfer the drained orzo to a generously sized mixing bowl. Immediately drizzle the aromatic vinaigrette over the warm pasta, ensuring thorough and even coating. Gently fold in the protein-rich chickpeas, crisp bell peppers, sharp onion, briny capers, fragrant dill, crumbly feta cheese, and robust olives.
4. Just moments before serving, delicately incorporate the peppery arugula leaves. Garnish with bright lemon slices and add a final zesty squeeze of lemon juice. Taste critically and adjust seasonings to elevate the flavor profile.
5. Serve the Mediterranean-inspired salad either warmly comforting or at a relaxed room temperature, inviting diners to savor the complex and harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Notes

• Chill before serving to let flavors meld together, bringing out the deepest taste sensations in every bite.
• Balance the dressing by tasting and adjusting seasonings, ensuring each spoonful delivers a perfect harmony of zesty and fresh notes.
• Select crisp, vibrant vegetables that add crunch and color, transforming the orzo from simple to spectacular.
• Cook pasta just until tender, stopping right before it becomes mushy to maintain a delightful al dente texture.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time for a stress-free cooking experience that lets you enjoy the process and the final delicious result.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 630mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg